Long gun toting apparatus

ABSTRACT

A rifle toting apparatus is disclosed including a pair of straps that are attached at a crossing location along a user&#39;s back, wherein the straps are attached adjacent a user belt. Each of the straps are further removably attached adjacent a rifle, thereby providing hands-free carrying of such rifle as well as multiple safe toting positions. The rifle toting apparatus can also include a game dragging apparatus for dragging fallen game, hands free, from a first location to a desired location.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of long guns. More particularly,this disclosure relates to a toting apparatus for toting a long gun.

BACKGROUND

Toting devices for carrying long guns is an important aspect of longguns that are manufactured to be carried on the person of a user. Longguns are not particularly well-suited for holsters and must be carriedusing other means such as a gun sling or the like. However, traditionalgun slings often do not provide the support needed to minimize fatigueon a user.

What is needed, therefore, is a long gun toting apparatus that minimizesfatigue on a user and provides additional advantages not previouslyavailable from conventional gun slings.

SUMMARY

The above and other needs are met by a rifle toting apparatus having auser belt including a first end and a second end. A first belt fasteneris attached adjacent the user belt and a second belt fastener isattached adjacent the user belt, the first belt fastener beingconfigured to removably engage with the second belt fastener. A firststrap is attached adjacent the user belt at a first belt location, thefirst strap including a first connection member fixedly adjustable alongthe first strap. A second strap is attached adjacent the user belt at asecond belt location, and the second strap includes a second connectionmember fixedly adjustable along the second strap. The first strap isattached adjacent the second strap at a first distance from the firstbelt location whereby the first strap crosses the second strap adjacenta user's back when the rifle toting apparatus is in use. A first adapteris removably attached adjacent the first connection member, and thefirst adapter includes a first adapter interface member configured toremovably attach to a rifle. A second adapter is removably attachedadjacent the second connection member, and the second adapter includes asecond adapter interface member configured to removably attach to arifle.

In a preferred embodiment, the rifle toting apparatus further includes afirst attachment interface member attached adjacent the user belt and asecond attachment interface member attached adjacent the user belt asecond distance from the first attachment interface member, and thefirst attachment interface member includes a first engagement member anda third engagement member and the second attachment interface memberincludes a second engagement member and a fourth engagement member. Thefirst attachment interface member and the second attachment interfacemember may be independently fixedly adjustable along the user belt. Therifle toting may include a game dragging apparatus having a third strapincluding a first fastener attached adjacent the third strap and asecond fastener attached adjacent the third strap, wherein the firstfastener is removably attached to the third engagement member andwherein the second fastener is removably attached to the fourthengagement member. The first belt fastener may also be fixedlyadjustable along the user belt.

According to some embodiments, the location of the third engagementmember of the first attachment interface member includes the first beltlocation and the location of the fourth engagement member of the secondattachment interface member comprises the second belt location. A snarebelt including a first end may be removably attached adjacent the thirdstrap at a first end of the snare belt. The snare belt further includesa first loop at the first end of the snare belt and the third strapextends through the loop whereby the snare belt is indirectly attachedto the user belt. The snare belt may further include a second loop atthe second end of the snare belt wherein the second end of the snarebelt is inserted through the first loop of the snare belt, therebycreating a constrictable device for attaching fallen game to the rifletoting apparatus for dragging the fallen game to a desired location.

According to some embodiments, the first strap further includes a firststrap fastener for to removably attaching the first strap to the secondattachment interface member and the second strap further includes asecond strap fastener for removably attaching the second strap to thefirst attachment interface member. The rifle toting apparatus furtherincludes a snare strap having a first end and a second end, a snarestrap fastener attached adjacent the first end of the snare strap, thesnare strap fastener being configured for removable attachment to thethird engagement member or the fourth engagement member, and a loop atthe second end of the snare strap. The second end of the snare strap maybe inserted through the first loop of the snare belt for creating aconstrictable device for attaching fallen game to the rifle totingapparatus for dragging the fallen game to a desired location;

In another aspect, embodiments of the disclosure provide a rifle totingapparatus having a first strap attached adjacent a user's torso at afirst torso location, the first strap including a first connectionmember fixedly adjustable along the first strap, and a second strapattached adjacent such user's torso at a second torso location, thesecond strap including a second connection member fixedly adjustablealong the second strap. The first strap is attached adjacent the secondstrap a first distance from the first belt location, and the first strapcrosses the second strap adjacent a user's back when the rifle totingapparatus is in use. The rifle toting apparatus further has a firstadapter removably attached adjacent the first connection member, thefirst adapter including a first adapter interface member configured toremovably attach adjacent a rifle, and a second adapter removablyattached adjacent the second connection member, the second adapterincluding a second adapter interface member configured to removablyattach adjacent a rifle.

In a preferred embodiment, the rifle toting apparatus further includes afirst attachment interface member attached adjacent such user's torsoand a second attachment interface member attached adjacent such user'storso a second distance from the first attachment interface member. Thefirst attachment interface member includes a first engagement member anda third engagement member and the second attachment interface memberincludes a second engagement member and a fourth engagement member. Agame dragging apparatus may be provided including a third strap having afirst fastener attached adjacent the third strap and a second fastenerattached adjacent the third strap. The first fastener is removablyattached to the third engagement member and the second fastener isremovably attached to the fourth engagement member.

According to some embodiments, the first strap further includes a firststrap fastener for removably attaching the first strap to the secondattachment interface member and the second strap further comprises asecond strap fastener for removably attaching the second strap to thefirst attachment interface member. The game dragging apparatus may alsoinclude a snare belt having a first end and a second end, wherein thefirst end of the snare belt is removably attached adjacent the thirdstrap. The snare belt may further include a first loop proximate thefirst end of the snare belt wherein the third strap extends through theloop whereby the snare belt is indirectly attached to the user belt anda second loop proximate the second end of the snare belt wherein thesecond end of the snare belt is inserted through the first loop of thesnare belt, thereby creating a constrictable device for attaching fallengame to the rifle toting apparatus for dragging the fallen game to adesired location.

In yet another aspect, embodiments of the disclosure provide a kit ofparts for assembling a rifle toting apparatus. The kit includes a firststrap removably attachable adjacent a user's torso at a first torsolocation, the first strap including a first connection member fixedlyadjustable along the first strap, and a second strap removablyattachable adjacent such user's torso at a second torso location, thesecond strap including a second connection member fixedly adjustablealong the second strap. The first strap is removably attachable adjacentthe second strap a first distance from the first torso location and thefirst strap crosses the second strap adjacent a user's back when therifle toting apparatus is in use. The kit further includes a firstadapter removably attachable adjacent the first connection member, thefirst adapter including a first adapter interface member configured toremovably attach adjacent a rifle, and a second adapter removablyattachable adjacent the second connection member, the second adapterincluding a second adapter interface member configured to removablyattach adjacent a rifle.

In preferred embodiments, the kit of parts of claim further includes auser belt and a snare belt. The user belt includes a first end, a secondend, a first belt fastener attached adjacent the user belt, and a secondbelt fastener attached adjacent the user belt, wherein the first beltfastener is configured to removably engage with the second beltfastener. The snare belt includes a first end and a second end, whereina portion of the snare belt is removably attachable adjacent the userbelt and wherein the second end of the snare belt includes a first loopwherein the first end of the snare belt can be inserted through thefirst loop of the snare belt, thereby creating a constrictable devicefor attaching fallen game for dragging the fallen game to a desiredlocation.

In another embodiment, the kit of parts of further includes a user belt,a first attachment member, a second attachment member, a third strap,and a snare belt. The user belt includes a first end, a second end, afirst belt fastener attached adjacent the user belt and a second beltfastener attached adjacent the user belt, wherein the first beltfastener is configured to removably engage with the second beltfastener. The first attachment interface member is attached adjacentsuch user's torso and the second attachment interface member is attachedadjacent such user's torso a second distance from the first attachmentinterface member, wherein the first attachment interface member includesa first engagement member and a third engagement member and wherein thesecond attachment interface member includes a second engagement memberand a fourth engagement member, wherein the first strap further includesa first strap fastener for removably attaching the first strap to thesecond attachment interface member and wherein the second strap furthercomprises a second strap fastener for removably attaching the secondstrap to the first attachment interface member. The third strap includesa first fastener removably attachable adjacent the third strap and asecond fastener removably attachable adjacent the third strap, whereinthe first fastener is removably attachable to the third engagementmember and wherein the second fastener is removably attachable to thefourth engagement member. The snare belt includes a first end and asecond end, wherein a portion of the snare belt is removably attachableadjacent the third strap and wherein the second end of the snare beltincludes a loop wherein the first end of the snare belt can be insertedthrough the loop of the snare belt, thereby creating a constrictabledevice for attaching fallen game for dragging the fallen game to adesired location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure willbecome better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription, appended claims, and accompanying figures, wherein elementsare not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein likereference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views,and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a somewhat schematic illustration of an example of a rifletoting apparatus;

FIG. 2A shows an illustration of a front view of an example of a rifletoting apparatus as worn by a user;

FIG. 2B shows an illustration of a rear view of an example of a rifletoting apparatus as worn by a user;

FIG. 3 shows an illustration of a perspective view of an example of anadapter as described and defined herein;

FIG. 4A shows an illustration of a side view of an example of anattachment interface member as described and defined herein;

FIG. 4B shows an illustration of a side view of an example of anotherattachment interface member as described and defined herein

FIG. 5 shows a somewhat schematic illustration of an example of a rifletoting apparatus including a game dragging apparatus;

FIG. 6 shows an illustration of an example of a game dragging apparatus;

FIG. 7 shows an illustration of an example of a snare strap;

FIG. 8 shows a somewhat schematic illustration of an example of a rifletoting apparatus not including a user belt;

FIG. 9A shows a somewhat schematic narrow side illustration of anexample of a universal adapter member;

FIG. 9B shows a somewhat schematic wide side illustration of an exampleof a universal adapter member;

FIG. 10 shows an illustration of a first of numerous hands-free riflecarrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle totingapparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 11 shows an illustration of a second of numerous hands-free riflecarrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle totingapparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 12 shows an illustration of a third of numerous hands-free riflecarrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle totingapparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 13A shows an illustration including a front view of a fourth ofnumerous hands-free rifle carrying positions available when usingembodiments of rifle toting apparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 13B shows an illustration including a rear view of the fourth ofnumerous hands-free rifle carrying positions available when usingembodiments of rifle toting apparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 14A shows an illustration including a front view of a fifth ofnumerous hands-free rifle carrying positions available when usingembodiments of rifle toting apparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 14B shows an illustration including a rear view of the fifth ofnumerous hands-free rifle carrying positions available when usingembodiments of rifle toting apparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 15 shows an illustration of a sixth of numerous hands-free riflecarrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle totingapparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 16 shows an illustration of a seventh of numerous hands-free riflecarrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle totingapparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 17 shows an illustration of an eighth of numerous hands-free riflecarrying positions available when using embodiments of rifle totingapparatuses as described herein;

FIG. 18 shows an illustration of a front view of a user holding a riflein a firing position wherein the rifle is attached adjacent an exampleof a rifle toting apparatus;

FIG. 19 shows an illustration of an example of a rifle toting apparatusbeing worn by a user wherein the rifle toting apparatus is attachedadjacent a first rifle and a second rifle;

FIG. 20 shows an illustration of an example of a rifle toting apparatusincluding a game dragging apparatus in use by a user;

FIG. 21 shows an illustration of an example of a snare strap being usedto drag fallen game indirectly by hand over a user's shoulder; and

FIG. 22 shows an illustration of an example of a snare strap being usedto drag fallen game directly by hand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various terms used herein are intended to have particular meanings. Someof these terms are defined below for the purpose of clarity. Thedefinitions given below are meant to cover all forms of the words beingdefined (e.g., singular, plural, present tense, past tense). If thedefinition of any term below diverges from the commonly understoodand/or dictionary definition of such term, the definitions belowcontrol.

Fixedly adjustable: a characteristic of an object wherein a firstsub-object can be made substantially fixed in a first position relativeto a second sub-object and wherein the first sub-object can also beadjusted so as to be substantially fixed in at least a second positionrelative to the second sub-object.

Removably attachable: a characteristic of a first object wherein thefirst object is easily attached to and later easily detached from asecond object wherein such attachment and detachment can be cycledmultiple times (n>50) without significant wear and tear on either thefirst object or the second object.

Rifle: any human-totable weapon considered a “long gun” including,without limitation, shotguns or other long guns that do not necessarilyinclude rifling features.

FIGS. 1-4 show a rifle toting apparatus 100 including a user belt 102, afirst strap 104, and a second strap 106. The user belt 102 includes afirst end 108 and a second end 110, and further includes first beltfastener 112 and a second belt fastener 114 which are configured to beremovably attached to one another. The first strap 104 preferablyincludes a first strap fastener 116 and a first connection member 118,both of which are preferably fixedly adjustable along the first strap104, respectively. The second strap 106 includes a second strap fastener120 and a second connection member 122, both of which are preferablyfixedly adjustable along the second strap 106, respectively. The secondstrap 106 is attached adjacent the user belt 102 at a first beltlocation 124 and the first strap 104 is attached adjacent the user belt102 at a second belt location 126, wherein the first belt location 124is at least a distance D1 from the second belt location 126. The firststrap 104 is attached adjacent the second strap 106 a distance D2 fromthe first strap fastener 116, and a distance D3 from the second strapfastener 120, wherein the distance D2 preferably equals the distance D3.In one embodiment, the first strap 104 is permanently attached (e.g., bysewing) adjacent the second strap 106. In another embodiment, the firststrap 104 and the second strap 106 are attached adjacent one another viaa fixedly adjustable strap coupler 127.

The rifle toting apparatus 100 also includes a first adapter 128including a first adapter interface member 130 and a first adapterfastener 132; a second adapter 134 including a second adapter interfacemember 136 and a second adapter fastener 138 is also provided. The firstadapter 128 is removably attached to the first connection member 118 andthe second adapter 134 is removably attached to the second connectionmember 122. The first adapter interface to member 130 is configured toremovably attach to a rifle 140 at a first rifle location 142 along therifle 140; similarly, the second adapter interface member 136 isconfigured to removably attach to the rifle 140 at a second riflelocation 144 along the rifle 140. The shape and size of the firstadapter interface member 130 and the second adapter interface member 136can vary to accommodate different attachment features of differentrifles. Thus, in one embodiment, a set of adapter interface members canbe included so as to make the overall apparatus 100 removably attachableto rifles of different manufacture or origin.

Preferably, the rifle toting apparatus 100 includes a first attachmentinterface member 146 including a first engagement member 148, and asecond attachment interface member 150 including a second engagementmember 152. The attachment interface members (146 and 150) preferablyare each independently fixedly adjustable along the user belt 102. Incertain embodiments, the second strap 106 is attached adjacent the userbelt 102 by attaching the second strap fastener 120 adjacent the firstengagement member 148. Thus, in these embodiments, the first beltlocation 124 includes the location where the first attachment interfacemember 146 is located at any given time. Similarly, in certainembodiments, the first strap 104 is attached adjacent the user belt 102by attaching the first strap fastener 116 adjacent the second engagementmember 152 wherein the second belt location 126 includes the locationwhere the second attachment interface member 150 is located at any giventime.

Preferably, the user belt 102 has a length ranging from about 40 inchesto about 100 inches, and, more preferably, from about 60 inches to about80 inches. The user belt 102 preferably has a width ranging from about1.5 inches to about 4 inches, and, more preferably, from about 2 inchesto about 3 inches. The first strap 104 and the second strap 106 eachpreferably have a length ranging from about 100 inches to about 150inches, and, more preferably, from about 110 inches to about 120 inches,and a width ranging from about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches, and, morepreferably, about 1 inch.

The first belt fastener 112, the second belt fastener 114, the firststrap fastener 116, the first connection member 118, the second strapfastener 120, the second connection member 122, the first engagementmember 148, and the second engagement member 152 (collectively, linkagemembers) are preferably made of plastic (e.g., a polymer or copolymermaterial) but can also be made of rubber, metal, wood, and/orcombinations thereof. Linkage members can come in various sizesdepending on, for example, the width of the object to which such linkagemembers are attached to. Preferably, linkage members that are configuredto removably attach with one another are made of the same material.Specific examples of linkage members include clasp buckles, slidebuckles, traditional frame-style buckles, side buckles, hook and eyefasteners, snap fasteners, buttons, string and loop fasteners, and/orother similar fasteners known to a person having ordinary skill in theart. The example shown in FIGS. 1-4 shows linkage members 154 in theform of side buckles.

The first adapter 128 and the second adapter 134 each preferably includea portion of strap material as described above, such portion preferablyhaving a length ranging from about 2 inches to about 10 inches, and,most preferably about 5 inches.

The first attachment interface member 146, shown in FIG. 4A, preferablyincludes a first combination strap 156 (e.g., a single strap foldedagainst itself and sewn at its ends, or two straps sewn together attheir respective ends) including a first passage 158 defined thereinthrough which a belt (e.g., the user belt 102) can be located. Thesecond attachment interface member 150, shown in FIG. 4B is preferablyformed in the same manner including a second combination strap 160 and asecond passage 162 therethrough. The attachment interface members (146and 150) preferably have a length ranging from about 5 inches to about20 inches, and, more preferably, from about 10 inches to about 15inches.

FIGS. 5-6 show an additional aspect of the disclosure including a gamedragging apparatus 164. The game dragging apparatus 164 includes a thirdstrap 166 including a first fastener 168 and a second fastener 170,wherein the first fastener 168 and the second fastener 170 are eachpreferably fixedly adjustable along the third strap 166. The gamedragging apparatus 164 further includes a snare belt 172 including afirst end 174 and a second end 176 and preferably including a first loop178 adjacent the first end 174 of the snare belt 172 and a second loop180 adjacent the second end 176 of the snare belt 172. Each loop ispreferably formed by folding the snare belt 172 against itself and, forexample, sewing a first portion of the snare belt 172 adjacent, forexample, the first end 174 to a second portion of the snare belt 172,thereby forming a loop therebetween.

The first fastener 168 is preferably configured for removable attachmentwith a third engagement member 182, and the second fastener 170 isconfigured for removable attachment with a fourth engagement member 184.The third engagement member 182 preferably forms part of the firstattachment interface member 146, and the fourth engagement member 184preferably forms part of the second attachment interface member 150. Thesnare belt 172 can be attached to the third strap 166 by inserting thethird strap 166 through the first loop 178 or the second loop 180 beforethe fasteners (168, 170) of the third strap 166 are attached to thethird engagement member 182 and the fourth engagement member 184,respectively. Objects such as, for example, fallen game can be attachedto the snare belt 172 by, for example, inserting the first end 174 ofthe snare belt 172 through the second loop 180 to form a constrictabledevice 185 (e.g., a noose-like structure) to tighten around the objectto be moved (e.g., around the neck of a fallen deer). Before or after anobject is tightened within the snare belt 172, the third strap 166 canbe inserted through the first loop 178 and attached to the thirdengagement member 182 and the fourth engagement member 184,respectively, thereby indirectly attaching the snare belt 172 to theuser belt 102. The rifle toting apparatus can then be used also to dragthe object from an initial location to a desired location.

The third strap 166 preferably has a length ranging from about 40 inchesto about 80 inches, and, more preferably, about 60 inches, and a widthranging from about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches, and, more preferably,about 1 inch. The snare belt 172 preferably has a length ranging fromabout 40 inches to about 80 inches, and, more preferably, about 60inches. The snare belt 172 preferably has a width ranging from about 1.5inches to about 4 inches, and, more preferably, from about 2 inches toabout 3 inches. The inside diameters of each of the first loop 178 andthe second loop 180 preferably range from about 5 inches to about 10inches, and, more preferably, from about 6 inches to about 8 inches.

Although the game dragging apparatus 164 shown in FIGS. 5-6 is describedwith respect to the third strap 166 and the snare belt 172, otherexamples of a game dragging apparatus are contemplated which include,for example, a snare strap 186 including a snare strap fastener 188fixedly adjustable along the snare strap 186, and a snare strap loop 190at a first end 192 of the snare strap 186. In this example, shown inFIG. 7, a second end 194 of the snare strap 186 can be inserted throughthe snare strap loop 190 to form the constrictable device 185 which canbe placed around, for example, fallen game (e.g., the neck of a deer).The snare strap fastener 188 is configured for removable attachment tothe user belt 102, and, more preferably, configured for removableattachment to the third engagement member 182 and/or the fourthengagement member 184. Other types of straps are also contemplatedincluding, for example, limiter straps, ratchet tie down straps, cambuckle straps, cam straps, spring buckle straps, strap adjuster straps,double ring straps, loop straps, and other robust straps known to personhaving ordinary skill in the art, wherein such straps are furtherconfigured to be removably attached to the user belt 102.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate version of the rifle toting apparatus 100shown in FIGS. 1-2, such alternate version including a gun totingapparatus 164 including the first strap 104, the second strap 106, thefirst strap fastener 116, the first connection member 118, the secondstrap fastener 120, the second connection member 122, the first adapter128, the second adapter 134, the first attachment interface member 146,and the second attachment interface member 150. The example shown inFIG. 8 does not, however, include the user belt 102. Rather, the exampledescribed with respect to FIG. 8 can be used with a common belt, rope,or other belt-like structure that can be worn by a user to offer supportfor attaching the rifle toting apparatus 164 to a user.

In various embodiments described herein, the first adapter 128 and thesecond adapter 134 can include universal adapter members for attachmentto variously shaped gun swivels. An example of a universal adaptermember 198 is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B wherein the universal adaptermember 198 further includes an adapter strap 200 attached adjacent afastener 202 (e.g., a linkage member) configured for removableattachment to the connection members (118, 122) of the rifle totingapparatus. The adapter strap 200 preferably is attached adjacent itselfby a fastening means such as, for example, one or more sex bolts 204 asshown in FIG. 9A. The adapter strap 200 can be attached adjacent itselfby other types of fastening means such as, for example, sewing material(i.e., sewing the adapter strap 200 adjacent itself), one or moreadhesives, hook and loop fasteners, buckles of various forms asdescribed herein, or other fastening means known to persons havingordinary skill in the art. The universal adapter member 198 is“universal” in the sense that the adapter strap 200 can be insertedthrough or on any existing rifle swivels or hooks of various riflemanufacturers. Thus, for example, a user can fit universal adaptermembers to a plurality of rifles wherein the rifles have different gunsling attachment features. Because the universal adapter members areconfigured to attach to gun sling features of various rifles, to attachto the connection members (118, 122) of the rifle toting apparatus, and,in this example, are already attached to a plurality of differentrifles, a user can very rapidly detach a first rifle from the connectionmembers and attach a second rifle to the connection members with ease.

The adapter strap 200 preferably has a length ranging from about 7inches to about 15 inches and, more preferably, about 9 inches. Thewidth of the adapter strap 200 preferably ranges from about 0.5 inchesto about 2 inches and, more preferably, about 1 inch. Preferably, theadapter strap 200, when attached adjacent a rifle, overlaps itself byfrom about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches and, more preferably, from about1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. In alternative embodiments, a first end206 of the adapter strap 200 and a second end 208 of the adapter strap200 include fastening means (e.g., linkage members) configured such thatthe first end 206 is directly attachable to the second end 208 withlittle or no overlap of the adapter strap 200.

Various straps and belts described herein can be made of one or morenetworks of fibers (natural, synthetic, or a combination thereof)(woven, nonwoven, or a combination thereof) such as, for example,cotton, flax, jute, wool, silk, nylon, polyester, fiberglass,petroleum-based material, and/or acrylic; leather; nonwoven polymer orcopolymer material; and/or other materials known to persons havingordinary skill in the art used for making belts, suspenders, or straps;and combinations thereof.

The examples of rifle toting equipment described above can be usedadvantageously in many ways including, for example, providing no lessthan eight different secure rifle toting positions as shown in FIGS.10-17, many of which are hands-free toting positions. Such hands-freepositions reduce fatigue on a user when carrying a rifle for an extendedperiod of time. The various positions shown in FIGS. 10-17 can bechanged from one position to the next without the need to remove orotherwise detach any aspect of the apparatus. As another advantage,various embodiments of the disclosure provide for a rifle to be anchoredto both shoulders of a to user, thereby increasing accuracy when using arifle; this particular advantage forces users to rotate their entireupper body—a proper technique—when visually tracking an animal with arifle because of the way the apparatus is anchored across both shouldersas opposed to just one shoulder, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 18A and18B. Additionally, various embodiments of rifle toting equipmentdescribed above are configured so that rifles attached to such rifletoting apparatus can be very quickly detached if needed. Anotheradvantage of various embodiments of rifle toting equipment describedabove is that such equipment can be quickly adjusted to facilitate useby left handed users or right-handed users. Also, one size fits allbecause various parts of the equipment can be quickly and easilyadjusted based on various human body sizes. FIG. 19 shows an example inwhich two rifles are attached to a rifle toting apparatus as describedabove wherein a first strap is attached adjacent a first rifle and asecond strap is attached adjacent a second rifle.

Additionally, various embodiments of rifle toting equipment describedabove can also be used to drag fallen game, hands free, from a huntinglocation to a desired location (e.g., the back of a truck), as shown,for example, in FIG. 20. Certain embodiments of rifle toting equipmentdescribed above, when more than one apparatus are used, are configuredso that more than one person can work together to drag fallen game. Ifdesired, the snare strap 186 can be detached and used by hand as shownin FIG. 21 or by carrying over a user's shoulder as shown in FIG. 22 fordragging fallen game. Other advantages not specifically illustratedherein are contemplated by this disclosure.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the presentdisclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. The described preferred embodiments are not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure to the preciseform(s) disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible inlight of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and describedin an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of thedisclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable one ofordinary skill in the art to utilize the concepts revealed in thedisclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications andvariations are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by theappended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to whichthey are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for”performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specificfunction, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause asspecified in 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. In particular, the use of “step of” inthe claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C.§112, ¶6.

1. A rifle toting apparatus comprising: a user belt including a firstend and a second end; a first belt fastener attached adjacent the userbelt and a second belt fastener attached adjacent the user belt, whereinthe first belt fastener is configured to removably engage with thesecond belt fastener; a first strap attached adjacent the user belt at afirst belt location, the first strap including a first connection memberfixedly adjustable along the first strap; a second strap attachedadjacent the user belt at a second belt location, the second strapincluding a second connection member fixedly adjustable along the secondstrap, wherein the first strap is attached adjacent the second strap afirst distance from the first belt location whereby the first strapcrosses the second strap adjacent a user's back when the rifle totingapparatus is in use; a first adapter removably attached adjacent thefirst connection member, the first adapter including a first adapterinterface member configured to removably attach to a rifle; and a secondadapter removably attached adjacent the second connection member, thesecond adapter including a second adapter interface member configured toremovably attach to a rifle.
 2. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 1further comprising a first attachment interface member attached adjacentthe user belt and a second attachment interface member attached adjacentthe user belt a second distance from the first attachment interfacemember, wherein the first attachment interface member includes a firstengagement member and a third engagement member and wherein the secondattachment interface member includes a second engagement member and afourth engagement member.
 3. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 1wherein the first belt fastener is fixedly adjustable along the userbelt.
 4. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 2 wherein the firstattachment interface member and the second attachment interface memberare independently fixedly adjustable along the user belt.
 5. The rifletoting apparatus of claim 2 wherein the location of the third engagementmember of the first attachment interface member comprises the first beltlocation and wherein the location of the fourth engagement member of thesecond attachment interface member comprises the second belt location.6. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a gamedragging apparatus including a third strap including a first fastenerattached adjacent the third strap and a second fastener attachedadjacent the third strap, wherein the first fastener is removablyattached to the third engagement member and wherein the second fasteneris removably attached to the fourth engagement member.
 7. The rifletoting apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first strap further comprises afirst strap fastener for removably attaching the first strap to thesecond attachment interface member and wherein the second strap furthercomprises a second strap fastener for removably attaching the secondstrap to the first attachment interface member.
 8. The rifle totingapparatus of claim 6 wherein the game dragging apparatus furthercomprises a snare belt including a first end and a second end, whereinthe first end of the snare belt is removably attached adjacent the thirdstrap.
 9. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 8 wherein the snare beltfurther comprises a first loop at the first end of the snare beltwherein the third strap extends through the loop whereby the snare beltis indirectly attached to the user belt.
 10. The rifle toting apparatusof claim 9 wherein the snare belt further comprises a second loop at thesecond end of the snare belt wherein the second end of the snare belt isinserted through the first loop of the snare belt, thereby creating aconstrictable device for attaching fallen game to the rifle totingapparatus for dragging the fallen game to a desired location.
 11. Therifle toting apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a snare strapincluding a first end and a second end, the snare strap furthercomprising a snare strap fastener attached adjacent the first end of thesnare strap, the snare strap fastener configured for removableattachment to the third engagement member or the fourth engagementmember; and a loop at the second end of the snare strap, wherein thesecond end of the snare strap is inserted through the first loop of thesnare belt, thereby creating a constrictable device for attaching fallengame to the rifle toting apparatus for dragging the fallen game to adesired location;
 12. A rifle toting apparatus comprising: a first strapattached adjacent a user's torso at a first torso location, the firststrap including a first connection member fixedly adjustable along thefirst strap; a second strap attached adjacent such user's torso at asecond torso location, the second strap including a second connectionmember fixedly adjustable along the second strap, wherein the firststrap is attached adjacent the second strap a first distance from thefirst belt location, and wherein the first strap crosses the secondstrap adjacent a user's back when the rifle toting apparatus is in use;a first adapter removably attached adjacent the first connection member,the first adapter including a first adapter interface member configuredto removably attach adjacent a rifle; and a second adapter removablyattached adjacent the second connection member, the second adapterincluding a second adapter interface member configured to removablyattach adjacent a rifle.
 13. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 12further comprising a first attachment interface member attached adjacentsuch user's torso and a second attachment interface member attachedadjacent such user's torso a second distance from the first attachmentinterface member, wherein the first attachment interface member includesa first engagement member and a third engagement member and wherein thesecond attachment interface member includes a second engagement memberand a fourth engagement member.
 14. The rifle toting apparatus of claim13 further comprising a game dragging apparatus including a third strapincluding a first fastener attached adjacent the third strap and asecond fastener attached adjacent the third strap, wherein the firstfastener is removably attached to the third engagement member andwherein the second fastener is removably attached to the fourthengagement member.
 15. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 14 whereinthe first strap further comprises a first strap fastener for removablyattaching the first strap to the second attachment interface member andwherein the second strap further comprises a second strap fastener forremovably attaching the second strap to the first attachment interfacemember.
 16. The rifle toting apparatus of claim 14 wherein the gamedragging apparatus further comprises a snare belt including a first endand a second end, wherein the first end of the snare belt is removablyattached adjacent the third strap.
 17. The rifle toting apparatus ofclaim 15 wherein the snare belt further comprises: a first loopproximate the first end of the snare belt wherein the third strapextends through the loop whereby the snare belt is indirectly attachedto the user belt; and a second loop proximate the second end of thesnare belt wherein the second end of the snare belt is inserted throughthe first loop of the snare belt, thereby creating a constrictabledevice for attaching fallen game to the rifle toting apparatus fordragging the fallen game to a desired location.
 18. A kit of parts forassembling a rifle toting apparatus, the kit comprising: a first strapremovably attachable adjacent a user's torso at a first torso location,the first strap including a first connection member fixedly adjustablealong the first strap; a second strap removably attachable adjacent suchuser's torso at a second torso location, the second strap including asecond connection member fixedly adjustable along the second strap,wherein the first strap is removably attachable adjacent the secondstrap a first distance from the first torso location, and wherein thefirst strap crosses the second strap adjacent a user's back when therifle toting apparatus is in use; a first adapter removably attachableadjacent the first connection member, the first adapter including afirst adapter interface member configured to removably attach adjacent arifle; and a second adapter removably attachable adjacent the secondconnection member, the second adapter including a second adapterinterface member configured to removably attach adjacent a rifle. 19.The kit of parts of claim 18 further comprising: a user belt including afirst end, a second end, a first belt fastener attached adjacent theuser belt, and a second belt fastener attached adjacent the user belt,wherein the first belt fastener is configured to removably engage withthe second belt fastener; a snare belt including a first end and asecond end, wherein a portion of the snare belt is removably attachableadjacent the user belt and wherein the second end of the snare beltincludes a first loop wherein the first end of the snare belt can beinserted through the first loop of the snare belt, thereby creating aconstrictable device for attaching fallen game for dragging the fallengame to a desired location.
 20. The kit of parts of claim 18 furthercomprising: a user belt including a first end, a second end, a firstbelt fastener attached adjacent the user belt and a second belt fastenerattached adjacent the user belt, wherein the first belt fastener isconfigured to removably engage with the second belt fastener; a firstattachment interface member attached adjacent such user's torso and asecond attachment interface member attached adjacent such user's torso asecond distance from the first attachment interface member, wherein thefirst attachment interface member includes a first engagement member anda third engagement member and wherein the second attachment interfacemember includes a second engagement member and a fourth engagementmember, wherein the first strap further comprises a first strap fastenerfor removably attaching the first strap to the second attachmentinterface member and wherein the second strap further comprises a secondstrap fastener for removably attaching the second strap to the firstattachment interface member; a third strap including a first fastenerremovably attachable adjacent the third strap and a second fastenerremovably attachable adjacent the third strap, wherein the firstfastener is removably attachable to the third engagement member andwherein the second fastener is removably attachable to the fourthengagement member; and a snare belt including a first end and a secondend, wherein a portion of the snare belt is removably attachableadjacent the third strap and wherein the second end of the snare beltincludes a loop wherein the first end of the snare belt can be insertedthrough the loop of the snare belt, thereby creating a constrictabledevice for attaching fallen game for dragging the fallen game to adesired location.